Lakota West running back David Afari (1) carries the ball as La Salle safety Cole Hildebrand (18) defends in the first half of a high school football game, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. KAREEM ELGAZZAR/THE ENQUIRER

Lakota West running back David Afari (1) carries the ball as La Salle defensive backs Jaylen Johnson (7) and Iesa Jarmon (4) make the tackle in the first half of their football game, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019. KAREEM ELGAZZAR/THE ENQUIRER

Simon Kenton receiver Caleb Livers makes a catch for a touchdown in the game between the Anderson Redskins and the Simon Kenton Pioneers at Simon Kenton High School Aug. 30, 2019. JIM OWENS FOR THE ENQUIRER

Lakota East offensive lineman Cameron Habertheir lifts wide receiver John Scott into the air in celebration after Scott's touchdown reception during Friday night's game against Turpin Aug. 30, 2019. NICK KNEER FOR THE ENQUIRER

The Turpin Spartans took down the Lakota East Thunderhawks in their first high school football game of the season by two touchdowns, 35-21.

The Spartans jumped out to a quick lead, as senior quarterback Justin Silverstein found sophomore wide receiver Jaden Howard for a five-yard score just more than three minutes into the game.

Lakota East would respond with a 44-yard rushing touchdown by sophomore Charlie Kenrich on their ensuing drive to tie the game at 7-7. Turpin scored another touchdown on their second drive to put them ahead for the rest of the game, with senior running back Reece Evans punching the ball in from 2 yards out.

Another touchdown by Evans, this one from 40 yards out, put Turpin up two touchdowns in the second quarter. Lakota East kept things interesting with a 27-yard touchdown reception by junior wide receiver John Scott in the final minute of the first half to make the score 21-14 in favor of Turpin.

The Thunderhawks scored again on their first drive of the second half to tie the game at 21-21, with both touchdowns coming from senior quarterback Mark Krajewski, one throwing and one rushing. However, those would be the last points they would get.

Turpin quarterback Justin Silverstein hands the ball off to running back Reece Evans during Friday night's matchup at Lakota East.(Photo: Nick Kneer for The Enquirer)

Another touchdown from Evans on the following drive put Turpin back on top for good. Silverstein scored an insurance touchdown at the beginning of the fourth quarter to make the score 35-21 Turpin, and the game would end with that score.

The Thunderhawks came close to turning the tide of the game, as senior Corey Dick intercepted Silverstein in the third quarter. But, Turpin responded by forcing a three-and-out punctuated with a third-down sack that pushed Lakota East back nearly 10 yards.

Lakota East had the ball more than Turpin, but the Spartans seemed to make the most of their time with it. They outgained the Thunderhawks 419-317, with 162 of those yards coming through the air, compared to just 27 for Lakota East.

Lakota East Head Coach Rick Haynes, a member of the Turpin Hall of Fame, mostly stuck to the ground game. It worked well, as Haynes’ squad won that battle. They outgained Turpin by 33 yards, 290-267, and averaged a full yard more per carry, 7.4 to Turpin’s 6.4.

Turpin running back Kaidan Naughton prepares to catch a pass during Friday's varsity matchup against Lakota East.(Photo: Nick Kneer for The Enquirer)

Evans led all players in total yardage, racking up 199 yards on rushes and 19 on passes for a total of 218 yards. His three touchdowns also led all players. Junior receiver Kaidan Naughton led all players with 67 receiving yards.

Krajewski led Lakota East with 118 combined yards, passing for 27 and rushing for 91. He also had the longest run of the game, going for 57 yards on the Thunderhawks' lone touchdown of the second half.

Kenrich led Lakota East with 115 yards rushing on just 11 carries.

Turpin will try to continue their winning ways at Northwest High School, next Friday, Sept. 6. Lakota East will take on Fairmont at home, also on Sept. 6.